Wednesday, December 5, 2018

The Picha Project: 2018 Pop-Up Cafe & Christmas Family Sets

By Aiman Azri

The Picha Project has been a positive force for refugee communities in Malaysia for nearly three years, with no signs of slowing; the social enterprise with a heart for marginalised communities is wrapping up 2018 with two more terrific initiatives, its first pop-up cafe last month and Christmas set meals that can be delivered to your doorstep throughout December.

We visited The Picha Project's pop-up on its penultimate day at DC Mall on the final week of November, with crowds flocking for fresh fare lovingly prepared by three chefs, Dalia from Palestine, Rania from Syria, and Sara from Afghanistan.

Dalia's juicy Roasted Chicken on Garlic Parsley Hummus and Sweet Potato Lamb Cottage Pie were both comfort-food winners, while the vibrantly hued Tabbouleh, Falafel and Beetroot Hummus beautifully combined the efforts of Dalia, who prepared the falafel, while Rania handled the hummus. And speaking of hummus, we're instant fans of The Three Musketeers, a triumphant triumvirate of three types of hummus: classic, garlic parsley and beetroot. Our feast finished on the sweet note of Dalia's homemade Pistachio Cake and Ice Cream, leaving us wishing these skilled and talented women had their own full-fledged permanent restaurant.

Thankfully, some of the specialities we sampled will stage a comeback for the current Christmas season, when Dalia and Rania will each showcase their own set menus, with a third chef, Kawlah, offering one more selection.

These sets can now be ordered for delivery at https://thepichaproject.oddle.me with everything from roast turkeys and chickens to baked lamb and eggplant crafted with a special Picha twist. Plus, 50 percent of the purchase price will be channeled back to the families who make these meals.

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